KapStone Announces Management Changes

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp., Northbrook, Ill., USA, this week announced that, effective Jan. 1, 2017, Roger Stone is stepping down as KapStone's CEO. He will continue to be an integral part of the KapStone organization, as he will retain his role as executive chairman of the board. 

Matt Kaplan will assume the responsibilities of the CEO and continue as the company's president. Kaplan has served as COO as well as president and director of the company since its inception in 2005. His 39-year career in paper and packaging also includes serving as Stone Container's SVP and GM of North American operations, Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.'s VP and GM of the container division, and director, and Box USA Holdings Inc.'s president, COO, and director.

Randy Nebel will be promoted to EVP of integrated packaging, responsible for both the company's mill and corrugated container operations. Nebel has been VP and GM of the company and president of the company's mill division since August 2013. Previously, he served as president of Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging from 2008 to 2013 and as its VP of mill operations and COO from 2008 to 2009. The company acquired Longview in July 2013.

Tim Keneally will retire from his position as VP, GM, and president of the container division. However, he has agreed to continue to assist in the company's important ongoing efforts to increase integration levels.

Bill Kessinger, currently VP and mill manager at Roanoke Rapids, will be promoted to VP and GM of the mill system, and Pat Ortiz, currently mill division director of engineering, environmental affairs, and safety, will be promoted to VP and GM of the corrugated container system. 

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp. is the fifth largest producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products and is the largest kraft paper producer in the U.S. The company has four paper mills, 22 converting plants, and 65 distribution centers. The business has approximately 6,300 employees.